Many RV-accessible parks near Gibbon Glade, Pennsylvania operate from April through October with limited year-round options. These Laurel Highlands campgrounds sit at elevations between 1,300 and 2,500 feet, making for moderate summer temperatures around 80°F. Winter closures affect most facilities due to the region's average 30 inches of annual snowfall.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Coopers Rock State Forest provides direct access to an extensive network of trails varying in difficulty. "We stayed here 9/2018 at site #10 and can't wait to return. There is a small campground just by the entrance that has a small store and electric sites with RV hookups," noted one visitor about the Coopers Rock State Forest.
Riverfront activities: Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground offers on-site water recreation options with equipment provided. "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks," according to a recent Brooklyn Heights camper.
Star gazing: Several campgrounds in the region feature designated star-viewing areas for night sky observation. "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform," reported a visitor to Benner's Meadow Run.
What campers like
Clean facilities: RV sites near Gibbon Glade, Pennsylvania frequently receive praise for bathroom maintenance. "The bathrooms and showers were convenient and clean," noted one camper at Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground, while another mentioned "the new bath house is excellent" at Coopers Rock State Forest.
Well-maintained roads: Recent improvements to campground infrastructure have enhanced access. "The RV lots were well maintained and all the asphalt seems to have been redone recently," according to a Coopers Rock visitor, contrasting with reports of deteriorating roads at some other facilities.
Outdoor pools: Seasonal swimming facilities operate at several parks from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "Great place for kids! Family friendly atmosphere, cordial staff, well run campground. Lots of activities. Tree shaded sites!" wrote a visitor to Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground.
What you should know
Cell service variation: Connectivity varies significantly within individual campgrounds based on terrain. "The camp Wi-Fi isn't the best but we did have cell service with Consumer Cellular (AT&T Towers) and were able to work while we camped," noted a visitor to Coopers Rock State Forest.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring extensive leveling equipment. "The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground," reported a camper at Pioneer Lakes RV Park.
Seasonal crowds: School vacation periods significantly impact site availability and noise levels. "This place is loud and full of kids," noted one visitor about Pioneer Lakes during peak season, while off-season campers report much quieter experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Playground safety: Inspect play equipment before allowing children to use facilities. "The playground area is unsafe. The wood on the playsets are falling apart and splintering. I had to pull a lot of splinters out of my child's hands and feet," warned one visitor to Pioneer Lakes RV Park.
Organized activities: Several campgrounds offer structured recreation programs on weekends. "So much to do for the kids. Clean and well kept," reported a camper at Benner's Meadow Run, which hosts regular scheduled events during summer weekends.
Bathroom lighting: Some facilities lack night illumination in restrooms. "The bathrooms do not have lighting so bring a headlamp or flashlight," advised a camper at Coopers Rock State Forest, highlighting an important consideration for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: Review site options carefully when booking larger motorhomes. "They accommodate tents and RVs, and offer cabins. The staff is helpful and friendly, and so are most of the campers," noted a visitor to Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground.
Water access location: Water hookups are positioned differently across campgrounds in the region. "Electricity at sites but no water or sewer. A new section will be opening later this season that will have elec and water," reported a Coopers Rock State Forest camper about their phased improvements.
Full-hookup availability: Complete utility connections vary widely between parks near Gibbon Glade. "We had empty space on either side of us. New section is spaced out with a berm of earth in between a lot of the sites," noted a recent visitor to Coopers Rock regarding their expanded camping area.
